BRUSSELS (AFP) - Iran's decision to enrich uranium to 20 percent feeds a "deficit of confidence" in Tehran's atomic ambitions, the EU's nuclear envoy said Tuesday, reiterating that the bloc will back UN action.

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States on Tuesday denied Moscow's latest charge that US missile defenses in Europe are aimed at Russia, insisting they are directed at Iran.

STRASBOURG (AFP) - There is no need for the International Monetary Fund to help Greece out of its economic crisis as Europe can handle the problem, EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said Tuesday.

COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka's president Mahinda Rajapakse on Tuesday sacked the national parliament and cleared the way for a national election two months ahead of schedule, his spokesman said.

ROME (AFP) - Pro-goverment militia joined protesters Tuesday to try to storm Italy's embassy in Tehran, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told a Senate hearing.